Bruce Scott (Australian politician)
Bruce Scott | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 20, 1943 Roma, Queensland, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, Wool and grain producer |
| Years active | 1990–2016 |
| Known for | Member of the Australian House of Representatives for Maranoa (1990–2016), Minister for Veterans' Affairs (1996–2001) |
Bruce Craig Scott (born 20 October 1943) is a retired Australian politician. Affiliated with the National Party, he served as the representative for the Division of Maranoa in the House of Representatives from 1990 until 2016. During the Howard government, Scott held the position of Minister for Veterans' Affairs between 1996 and 2001.
Early life
Scott was born in Roma, Queensland, and completed his education at the Anglican Church Grammar School located in Brisbane. Prior to entering politics, he was engaged in wool and grain production. He also held prominent leadership positions including president of the Queensland Merino Stud Sheep Breeders Association, the Maranoa Graziers' Association, and the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders. In 1983, he was awarded a Nuffield Farming Scholarship.
Politics
Scott secured election at the 1990 federal election, maintaining control of Maranoa, a seat continuously held by Country/National parties since 1921. Between 1992 and 1996, he was part of the Opposition Shadow Ministry. Subsequently, he served as Minister for Veterans' Affairs from 1996 to 2001 and concurrently as Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence from 1998 to 2001.
Following the resignation of Speaker Harry Jenkins Jr. in 2011, Scott was put forward as a candidate for Deputy Speaker but was defeated by Anna Burke. After Peter Slipper stepped down in 2012, Burke became Speaker and Scott was elected Deputy Speaker, winning over Steve Georganas.
On 3 August 2015, Scott declared his intention to retire at the forthcoming election.